Bengaluru, Feb 6 (NationPress) In reaction to comments made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's son, Congress MLC Yathindra, regarding the absence of leadership changes in the state and the assertion that his father would serve a full term, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar quipped on Friday, "CM's son is our high command, and I will honor whatever he declares."

This statement was delivered at Mangaluru Airport during a media interaction, where Shivakumar addressed Yathindra's claim that the high command had assured his father would be Chief Minister for the next five years, leaving no room for speculation.

Shivakumar remarked, "He himself is our high command. Whatever he communicates, I will acknowledge it with respect. Since he has positioned himself as the high command, we shall embrace him as such."

When asked about MLA Shivagnaga Basavaraj's call for clarity from the high command concerning the power-sharing agreement, he added, "I will refrain from commenting on the remarks made by Basavaraj or Yathindra. Any response should be issued by the leadership in Delhi."

"My visit to Mangaluru today is for the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Congress Bhavan. On March 10, I will mark six years as KPCC president, and we are commencing construction work on this occasion," he stated.

Shivakumar announced, "I am ordering the laying of foundation stones for 100 Congress party offices throughout March. Regardless of whether the AICC provides a date or not, I am fully equipped and will proceed with the work."

In response to allegations that Muslims were excluded from the foundation stone-laying event, Shivakumar asserted, "The Congress operates on principles, not caste. We seek individuals from all communities and do not engage in politics based on caste or religion. Such claims arise from those who harbor jealousy."

It is noteworthy that Yathindra Siddaramaiah asserted that the demands for a leadership change were not acknowledged by the party high command and that his father would continue as Chief Minister for the next five years.

During his address to reporters in Mysuru on Friday, Yathindra's comments gained significance as they appeared to counter Congress MLA Shivaganga Basavaraj, a dedicated supporter of D.K. Shivakumar.

Basavaraj had called upon the party high command to clarify the confusion surrounding the leadership situation in the state, which he articulated on Thursday.

Simultaneously, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (RDPR), IT, and BT Priyank Kharge responded to Shivaganga Basavaraj's request for the high command's involvement, firmly stating in Bengaluru that the party leadership would summon leaders when necessary.

Kharge emphasized that AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had clearly indicated they would intervene when the situation warranted and make appropriate decisions. He stressed that discussing such matters publicly served no purpose.